Hello, this is Alex Chang and I’d like to welcome you to my bio.

My journey to bodywork started in 2004 upon completion of a 2200 hour shiatsu therapy diploma and an acupuncture diploma in 2007 at the Shiatsu School of Canada in Toronto.   In 2010, I obtained a massage therapy diploma at Kikkawa College.  I currently hold dual designations as an RMT and R.Ac.

For the past 20 years, I have been practicing as a Shiatsu Therapist, Registered Massage Therapist and Registered Acupuncturist in a multidisciplinary rehab clinic as well as operating a solo clinic.  My clinical experience involved treating a very diverse group of people; from as early as an elementary grade school student to actively retired seniors.  My primary focus is on treatment of a wide range of acute and chronic orthopedic related injuries.  I enjoy treating musculoskeletal conditions whether this is as a result of repetitive postural strains from an office environment or sports related injury.  I relish the journey of helping individuals recover from the conditions or facilitating their pain management.

On a personal side, I take pleasure in playing a finger style guitar whenever there is an opportunity. I have also rekindled the joy of woodworking and entertained many DIY woodworking projects.

Why should patients choose you as their provider instead of others in the area?

Because of my training and years of experience, I have the opportunity to “pick and choose” various modalities to meet the client’s expectations.   Based on the input from patients, sometimes, I provide strictly shiatsu based treatment protocol; sometimes I will integrate with acupuncture with electrical stimulation, or even general Swedish massage. Not everyone comes with the same condition, as a practitioner, one needs to adapt to the conditions that present.  You could say, there is definitely a customization of the treatment.  

Ultimately, my goal is to utilize some form of manipulation techniques; it can be soft tissue release, stretching , joint mobilization, muscle energy technique or even tuina (Chinese massage).  The main objective is to decrease muscle tension, increase the range of motion and realign the body so that it can move without pain and help with the quality of life.

What are you proud of in your practice?

A validation that you have done an excellent job where there has been improvement from before and after treatment.  It’s extremely gratifying to see their positive and yet suprised reaction as they get off the table.  To see the improvement right in front of you, it is priceless.

What are the top 3 treatments that you specialize in?

Shiatsu, shiatsu and shiatsu

I like shiatsu. It is the basis for my initial treatment protocol and it is my specialization.  Essentially shiatsu is a manipulation of muscles and soft tissues for therapeutic purposes.  Shiatsu is a very therapeutic treatment.  I like utilizing shiatsu because it is a very grounding modality.  It emphasizes the ‘art of listening’ to the body and applying appropriate pressure using thumbs, palms or elbows to activate acupressure points.   Generally, the client would experience not only reduction of pain but it also receives a relaxed and well-being experience.

I like shiatsu because it does not use lubricants.  Shiatsu is a manual therapy that does not require draping.   It utilizes a perpendicular pressure to the body and there are no effleurage techniques. Shiatsu is done over the cloth.  Typically, the clients usually wear loose comfortable clothing or workout outfits.

I like shiatsu because it is a very versatile modality as it manipulates the soft tissue over and around meridians.  Shiatsu is not limited to a holding pressure and it can involve passive and active stretching, joint mobilization, and kneading techniques as part of treatment.

Which cases do you enjoy treating? Why?

In my life, I had my share of sports related injuries (cycling, golfing, and tennis) and years spent in a corporate world with a poor ergonomic set-up. When a weekend warrior comes into the clinic or someone working in the corporate with poor posture and experiencing repetitive strain injuries, I resonate with their experience and I want to help them.

My interest lies in treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.  I enjoy utilizing a broad range of techniques to facilitate the healing process of the clients.   As a practitioner, it is extremely gratifying to observe my client’s condition improve.